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Even though ball-and-claw-foot dining tables were in vogue during the reign of King Edward VII, you may not view a similar table as quite so stylish today. But you can update an old ball-and-claw-foot oak table to bring it into a "new age" of designer glory. With a little creativity and a few resources, you can change the finish, color and overall appearance of a tired, old dining table to reveal a gorgeous piece.

Paint or Stain

Apply a fresh coat of paint to your outdated ball-and-claw-foot dining table to give it a new lease on life. Pristine white paint covers the antiquated oak tabletop and legs to offer a fresh appearance with cottage-style appeal. Add a hint of light color when you envelope the table with creamy ivory, soft yellow or barely beige paint. Cover the dining table in a vibrant barn-red hue for a country farmhouse feel or apply coal black paint to give it a modern flair. You can also re-stain the table in lieu of the paint to revive its original, upscale appeal. Or, use a stain in a slightly different shade to darken or lighten the natural oak.

Linens and Centerpiece

Fresh linens and a new centerpiece deliver an instant makeover to an old ball-and-claw-foot oak dining table. Cover the tabletop entirely with a gorgeous tablecloth, or conceal only a portion of it with a stylish table runner. White or ivory table linens convey an elegantly simple guise while lacy tablecloths and runners elevate the air of formality. Tone down the sophistication with perky prints, playful plaids or unfussy gingham table linens. Add a new centerpiece to the old-fashioned dining table to give it modern pizzazz. For example, center a trio of large white vases in staggered heights atop three mirror tiles to add a modern sparkle to an old piece. Freshen up your table with a large crystal vase filled with colorful flowers.

Seating

Mix up the seating around a ball-and-claw-foot dining table to increase the comfort level as well as the aesthetic appeal. Place an upholstered armchair in a chic striped fabric at each end of a rectangular or oval table. Bold fabric stripes in black, red and tan add a modern design punch to an antiquated table while enhancing the neutral-colored oak wood. Remove half of the existing side chairs and intermingle the rest with parson's chairs covered in a fabric to coordinate with the end chairs. For round or square tables, alternate a parson's chair with the existing chairs. Leather upholstery adds a debonair feel, while funky prints in bold colors suggest a contemporary vibe. Add a cushioned bench seat to each side of the table in lieu of the side chairs if you prefer a more casual feel.

Other Ideas

The furnishings and lighting that surround a ball-and-claw-foot table can also affect its overall appearance. For example, exchange an out-of-date brass chandelier centered over a dining table for an oil-rubbed bronze replacement to deliver Old-World traditional appeal with an updated ambiance. Because the dining room walls are a backdrop for your oak table, ancient wallpaper or chipping wall paint can increase the dated appearance of your table. Revamp the walls with a soothing paint color, such as sandy beige, sage green or creamy ivory, to add modern freshness to the entire dining room, including your table.

About the Author

Mary Cockrill's education and certifications in interior design and home staging have allowed her to author numerous home-related articles. Cockrill has been a top design consultant for a renowned home store and is the owner of Starwood Home & Gifts, LLC, an interior design, decorating and home staging business. She holds a Bachelor of Science in secondary education with a comprehensive major in office administration.